Laos

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Luang Prabang Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are used, including the European-style two-pin, the UK-style three-pin and the flat two-pin type.

Language

Lao is the official language, but some English and French are spoken.

Travel Health

Those planning to travel to Laos should seek medical advice
about vaccinations and endemic diseases at least three weeks prior
to departure. Malaria exists throughout the country except in
Vientiane, and typhoid and cholera occur in some areas. A typhoid
vaccine is recommended for all travellers, except short-term
business travellers who will restrict their meals to major
restaurants and hotels. Other risks include hepatitis E, plague,
dengue fever, and Schistosomiasis if swimming in the Mekong River.
Travellers' diarrhoea is a problem for many visitors; only drink
bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat and fish,
salads and unpeeled fruit.

Medical care in Vientiane is extremely basic and outside the
capital there are no reliable facilities to deal with medical
emergencies. Medical evacuation is difficult to organise and very
expensive. Travellers are advised to take out comprehensive medical
insurance, and those who have an unstable medical condition should
consider avoiding Laos. A yellow fever certificate is required by
all entering from an infected area.

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more widely practiced in tourist hotels and
restaurants, where 10 percent is expected; elsewhere, there is no
need to tip. Many of the more up-market restaurants tend to include
a 10 to 15 percent service charge in their bill.

Safety Information

Most visits to Laos are trouble-free, but violent crimes such as
robbery are on the increase. Foreigners have been assaulted after
having their drinks or food drugged. You should be careful about
taking drinks from strangers, and do not leave food or drinks
unattended. Theft of passports is a problem and travellers are
advised to take care, avoid carrying large sums of money and keep
valuables and documents in a safe place. Making copies of important
travel documents is also a good idea. Travel in some rural parts of
Laos is dangerous because of banditry and unexploded ordnance, and
visitors should never stray from well-worn footpaths. Visitors
should also note that an ID document or passport should be carried
at all times and should be presented on demand or else a heavy fine
could be imposed. Visitors to Vang Vieng are advised to be
particularly vigilant of their belongings, and aware of their
personal security as there have been reports of petty theft in the
area. Staying at a trustworthy and secure hotel or guesthouse while
in Vang Vieng is recommended.

Although Laos is known for its laid-back and friendly
atmosphere, the travel risk is somewhat increased by the lack of
travel infrastructure and medical facilities.

Local Customs

Skimpy or revealing clothes are generally not acceptable. Public
displays of affection are taboo in Lao society. Avoid touching
anyone on the head or using your feet to point at anything.
Appropriate dress and behaviour when entering places of worship is
essential. The Laos government prohibits any sexual contact or
relationships between Lao nationals and foreigners, unless married
under Lao law; penalties may involve heavy fines or imprisonment.
It is illegal not to carry an identity document. Photographing
military sites is prohibited.

Business

Laos has a hot, tropical climate and therefore when it comes to
business, lightweight suits are common, worn with a tie. Visitors
should bear in mind that the country is generally rather
conservative and act accordingly. Business cards should be given
and received using both hands and should be treated with respect.
Handshakes are common, but a traditional greeting is the
'phanom' or 'wai', similar to the Indian
'namaste' where palms are placed together as if in prayer,
and held in front of the chest or face. Surnames usually come
before first names, which can be confusing for visitors. French is
more widely spoken and understood than English, though translators
are available. Business hours are usually from 8am to 12pm and 1pm
to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications

The international access code for Laos is +856. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the
United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)21 for
Vientiane and (0)71 for Luang Prabang. International Direct Dial is
available in the major towns, but the service is expensive and
inefficient. Hotels sometimes add a hefty surcharge to their
telephone bills: check before making long-distance calls. Mobile
phones will only work in the major cities; it is advisable to check
the coverage with your service provider before leaving, as the
local mobile phone companies have few active roaming agreements
with other network operators. Internet cafes are widely available
in tourist areas.

Duty Free

Travellers to Laos do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes or
100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 2 bottles wine; 1 bottle of other
alcohol; and jewellery up to 500g, provided they are from countries
not bordering Laos.

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